Discuss conditions of the polar habitats that make survival difficult. Examples:

extreme cold

prey often scarce

fierce predators

ice cover for much of the year

darkness during much of year

Explain to students that they will research one animal from the Arctic or Antarctic. Their research should focus on behavioral or physical adaptations that help the animal survive in its extreme climate. Before students get started, define, review, and give examples of the following terms with them.

adaptation: A trait or modification that helps a plant or animal fit in and survive in its environment. Example: Giraffes have long necks to reach the leaves in the tall trees on the savanna.

behavioral adaptation: The particular behavior of an animal-such as the way it feeds, mates, breeds, or migrates-that helps it survive in the unique conditions of its environment. Example: Birds fly south in the winter because they can find more food.

physical adaptation: A characteristic or modification in an animal's body that helps it survive in its habitat. Example: A male peacock's bright feathers help it attract a mate.

Tell students they will work in pairs. Each pair will choose one Arctic or Antarctic animal, either from the video or from their research. After finishing their research, each pair will create a large diagram of their animal on poster board and give a brief presentation to the class.

Students should include the information below.

Name of animal

Size (length or height and weight; give a range)

Habitat and Distribution

Diet or prey

Main predators

Physical adaptations (Explain how each helps the animal survive.)

Behavioral adaptations (Explain how each helps the animal survive.)

Have students use print and Internet resources in their research. These Web sites may be helpful:

The students should create large, colorful diagrams of their animals on poster board that label the animal's physical adaptations and include brief explanations of how each adaptation helps the animal survive. Somewhere on the diagram, students must list and briefly describe the animal's behavioral adaptations.

Have pairs present their posters to the class, sharing as much information as possible in a five-minute period.

Display the posters in one area of the classroom. Have the class decide on a title for this exhibit.

EvaluationUse the following three-point rubric to evaluate students' work during this lesson.

Three points:Students were highly engaged in class discussions; created a clear, detailed poster of their animal with plentiful information on both physical and behavioral adaptations; and actively contributed to the presentation to the class.

Two points:Students participated somewhat in class discussions; created a mostly accurate poster of their animal that included information on some physical and behavioral adaptations; and contributed somewhat the presentation to the class.

One point:Students participated minimally in class discussions; created a poster that included information on few, if any, adaptations; and did not work cooperatively in or contribute adequately to the presentation to the class.

VocabularyadaptationDefinition:A trait or modification that helps a plant or animal survive in its environmentContext:Camels have many adaptations for life in the desert, including long eyelashes that protect their eyes from blowing sand.

behavioral adaptationDefinition:The particular behavior of an animal-such as the way it feeds, mates, breeds, or migrates-that helps it survive in the unique conditions of its environmentContext:Hibernation is a behavioral adaptation that helps some animals survive the winter, when food supplies are low.

blubberDefinition:A thick layer of fat on the bodies of large sea mammals that insulates them from cold and stores energyContext:Whales, walruses, seals, and other arctic marine animals have a layer of blubber.

camouflageDefinition:Special coloring or marks that help an animal blend into its habitat, disguising it from predators or preyContext:Its spotted coat is the cheetah's camouflage as it stalks prey on the African savanna.

migrationDefinition:The movement of animals from one region or climate to another for breeding or in search of food or shelterContext:Most migrations occur on an annual basis according to the changing seasons.

physical adaptationDefinition:A characteristic or modification in an animal's body that helps it survive in its habitatContext:Sharks have sharp teeth, a physical adaptation that makes them fierce predators.